Barefoot for Kids
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It's Not Fair

by Jennifer Ellis

 “What’s wrong?” Kevin asked.

Megan’s arms were crossed, and her face was angry.

“It’s not fair,” Megan complained. “Mom said I can’t have a new bike.”

“That’s too bad,” Kevin said. “But you have a great bike.”

“That’s what Mom said,” Megan wailed. “But it’s a hand-me-down from my sister. It’s so old!”

“You can ride my new bike,” Kevin offered.

“Thanks,” Megan grumbled. “But I want my own. Everyone has a new bike but me.”

They were pedaling down the street towards school when Megan heard someone call her name. She stopped and turned around. It was her new friend Hillary.

“I thought I’d never catch you,” Hillary said, panting as she caught up to them.

Kevin grinned. “We were moving pretty fast.”

Hillary agreed. “I’m a good runner, but I can’t keep up with a bike.”

“Bring yours tomorrow and ride with us,” Megan said.

 

Hillary shrugged her shoulders. “I’d love to, but I don’t have a bike. Mom says we might be able to afford one next year. Of course, I’ll have to share it with my brothers.”

Megan was surprised. “You don’t have a bike at all? Doesn’t that make you angry?”

“I wish I had one,” Hillary said, “but I know my mom does the best she can.”

“You can ride my old bike tomorrow,” Kevin offered.

“Thanks!” Hillary’s smile was wide. “That would be fantastic!”

Megan turned her bike around.. “I’ve got to go home.” 

“What?” Kevin said. “I thought we were going to play before school.”

"I’ve got to go tell Mom I’m sorry that I was angry,” Megan explained. “I can’t believe I was so selfish.”

“Can’t you wait until after school?”

Megan laughed. “Nope. I'm sure I made her feel bad. I can’t let her sit home all day saying, ‘Megan was angry, and it’s just not fair.’”

 

© Jennifer Ellis

Jennifer Ellis is a freelance writer from Delanco, New Jersey.

© 2007–2009 Jeanne Gowen Dennis. U.S. and Worldwide rights reserved.